Louise Stutes

Louise Ball Stutes (born July 30, 1952^[1]) is an American politician from Alaska. A Republican, Stutes is a member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing House District 5 on Kodiak Island. She had served as Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives from 2021 to 2023.

Louise Stutes
Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives
In office February 11, 2021 – January 17, 2023
Preceded by	Josiah Patkotak (Acting)
Succeeded by	Cathy Tilton
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office January 20, 2015
Preceded by	Alan Austerman
Constituency	32nd district (2015–2023) 5th district (2023–present)
Personal details
Born	(1952-06-30) June 30, 1952 (age 72) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Children	4
Education	Shoreline Community College Kodiak College

Career

Stutes previously served on the Assembly of the Kodiak Island Borough from 2006 to 2013.^[2] As a candidate for the House of Representatives, she was an advocate for the commercial fishing industry and the Alaska Marine Highway.^[3]

Stutes defeated primary opponent Carol Austerman, daughter of retiring incumbent Alan Austerman, in August 2014 and went on to beat Jerry McCune of Cordova, the Democratic nominee, in November to win a seat in the legislature.^[4][5]

In 2021, Stutes was elected speaker of the house by a bipartisan, primarily Democratic coalition, succeeding acting speaker and temporary speaker pro tempore Josiah Patkotak, who had succeeded former speaker Bryce Edgmon at the conclusion of the previous session.

Personal life

Stutes has lived in Kodiak since 1980. Her husband, Stormy, is a commercial fisherman. She has four children. She owned the Village Bar on Kodiak Island for 25 years.^[2]

References

1. "Louise B Stutes, Kodiak Public Records Instantly". ClustrMaps.com. Retrieved 2022-02-09.
2. "Louise B. Stutes-Republican-House District 32" (PDF). Alaska Elections Division. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
3. Barrett, Jay (April 2, 2014). "Stutes Announces State House Run". KMXT. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
4. Forgey, Pat (November 4, 2014). "Costello win helps Alaska Republicans maintain legislative grip". Alaska Dispatch. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
5. Gibbs, Brianna (August 20, 2014). "Stutes Takes Early Lead, Holds Strong in Republican Primary". KMXT News Blog. Retrieved February 8, 2015.

Alaska House of Representatives
Preceded by Alan Austerman	Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 32nd district (2015–2023) and the 5th district (2023–present) 2015–present	Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by Josiah Patkotak Acting	Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives 2021–2023	Succeeded by Cathy Tilton